Stanisław Staszic University of Science and Technology in Krakow

Stanisław Staszic University of Science and Technology in Kraków (AGH) was established in 1913 and opened its doors in 1919. The resolution to create it reflected the aspirations of Polish mining and metallurgical engineers who fought to establish a university in Kraków. In 2019, AGH was granted the status of a research university, confirming its strong position on the map of Polish higher education. The AGH campus, covering 40 hectares in the center of Kraków and built in a classical style, includes a monumental main building designed by Sławomir Odrzywolski. Its architecture reflects influences of academic classicism from the 1920s, combined with functionality tailored to scientific and educational needs. In the cultural sphere, the university has many traditions, including the miners' celebration "Barbórka" and "Dzień Hutnika" (Metallurgist's Day), which symbolize its ties to industry. It is worth noting that AGH boasts a unique collection of sculptures, such as the reconstructed figures of miners and metallurgists displayed in front of the main building, which were restored after the war. AGH conducts highly advanced research activities across various scientific fields, with over 800 laboratories, including modern research and technology centers such as the Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology and supercomputers. The university places strong emphasis on collaboration with industry, resulting in numerous research and development projects and support for innovation. The history of AGH is also marked by difficult times, such as World War II, when many university staff were imprisoned or murdered. After the war, AGH quickly rebuilt itself, introducing new fields of study to meet market demands. Today, the university offers education at multiple levels, engages in international educational and research programs, and significantly contributes to technological development and international cooperation in science and technology. It ranks highly in both national and international university rankings, and its continuous architectural and scientific development makes it one of the most dynamic academic centers in Poland.